In an unexpected revelation that caught Jimmy Fallon off guard, New York Knicks superstar guard Jalen Brunson shared the intriguing secret behind his game-day preparation – a steadfast ritual of listening to Justin Bieber. This quirky tradition, as Brunson explains, is not just a mere preference but a superstition that traces back to his victorious college days at Villanova.
Diving deeper into the routine, Brunson elaborates on the meticulous consistency of his pre-game schedule, from waking up to his commute to the arena. But the spotlight moment was his admission of Bieber being his go-to artist before hitting the court, a habit born out of a winning streak ignited during his time at Villanova University.
Jalen Brunson told Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show:
It started in college... My sister actually put me on to the 'Purpose' album. And yeah, the album is amazing. So going into the game, I’m shuffling music, and one of the songs on the album is playing as I’m going to an NCAA tournament game. We kept winning, and we won the national championship... And then my junior year, same thing. We won it again. So I was like, oh, I got to keep this.
The tradition has a charm of its own, with Brunson attributing part of his and his team’s successes to the Grammy-winning artist’s tracks. Despite never having met Justin Bieber, Brunson’s ritual underscores the impact of music on athletes’ psychological preparation and superstitions surrounding performance.
Jalen Brunson’s journey from being criticized as an overpriced potential bust to becoming one of the best NBA has to offer and a solid MVP contender encapsulates his resilience. He also expressed that despite the narrative, his focus isn’t on silencing skeptics but on affirming his own belief in his capabilities and hard-earned place in the league.
Jalen Brunson’s rise from a second-round pick to the MVP Conversation
Jalen Brunson’s journey in the NBA is a tale of relentless perseverance, exceptional skill, and an unwavering belief in his abilities. Once an overlooked second-round pick, Brunson has defied the odds to become the face of the New York Knicks and a genuine contender in the MVP conversation. His story is not just about basketball; it’s about the power of determination and the spirit of a true underdog rising to the top.
Jimmy Fallon, on the Tonight Show, highlighted the stark contrast between Jalen Brunson’s initial reception and his current acclaim. He brought up past reviews from Bleacher Report and Sports Illustrated that doubted the Knicks pursuing Brunson. Fast forward to the present, and the narrative has completely flipped. Deadspin now celebrates Brunson as the NBA’s best point guard, while Yahoo Sports praises his unforeseen ascent to superstardom.
Brunson’s story is far from over, and as the season progresses, his name will undoubtedly continue to be at the forefront of MVP discussions. His rise from a second-round pick to the MVP conversation effectively proves that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.
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